{"id":10938,"date":"2026-01-16T03:37:00","date_gmt":"2026-01-16T09:37:00","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.discover.com\/online-banking\/banking-topics\/?p=10938"},"modified":"2026-02-06T13:19:03","modified_gmt":"2026-02-06T19:19:03","slug":"protect-your-bank-account","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.discover.com\/online-banking\/banking-topics\/protect-your-bank-account\/","title":{"rendered":"How to protect your bank account from hackers: 6 steps"},"content":{"rendered":"\n<p>It\u2019s\neasier than ever to manage your bank account from wherever you are\u2014whether binge-watching\nyour favorite TV show from the couch or waiting in line at the grocery store. Online\nand mobile banking have many advantages, from helping you deposit a check to making\na bill payment. <\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>While enjoying the <a href=\"https:\/\/www.discover.com\/online-banking\/banking-topics\/making-your-life-easier-with-online-banking\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\" aria-label=\" (opens in a new tab)\">benefits of online banking<\/a> and digital finance tools, it\u2019s important to keep security and how to protect your bank account from fraud top-of-mind. That\u2019s because cybercriminals are a growing threat, especially as they use more sophisticated methods in an attempt to steal personal information online. <\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>In 2023, the <a href=\"https:\/\/www.fbi.gov\/contact-us\/field-offices\/sanfrancisco\/news\/fbi-releases-internet-crime-report\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Federal Bureau of Investigation<\/a> received a total of over 880,000 cybercrime complaints with more than $12.5 billion. That same year, the <a href=\"https:\/\/www.ftc.gov\/system\/files\/ftc_gov\/pdf\/CSN-Annual-Data-Book-2023.pdf\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Federal Trade Commission<\/a> reported more than 1 million cases of identity theft\u2014when criminals assume a person\u2019s identity to make purchases or transactions.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>From\nfake emails that ask you to confirm your username and password to malware that\nswipes your information when you\u2019re on public Wi-Fi, scammers can use a number\nof techniques to try to access your bank account. <\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Given the prevalence of these strategies, it\u2019s important to safeguard yourself from scammers, fraudsters, and hackers, says Steve Weisman, editor of a fraud information website. \u201cThere are things you can do to keep yourself from being the low-hanging fruit,\u201d he says. <\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>So how can you protect your bank account from fraud, scams, and identity theft? If you take these steps, you can help enhance your bank account security and bank online with confidence. <\/p>\n\n\n<\/div>\n\n\n<div class=\"mx-auto block-quote block-quote--1back bg-fixed bg-center bg-no-repeat bg-cover z-0\">\n    <div class=\"block-quote__glow\"><\/div>\n    <blockquote class=\"post--constrain-large\">\n        <p>\u201cWhat\u2019s most important about passwords isn\u2019t strength or guessability, but that the passwords are not the same across accounts.\u201d<\/p>\n                    <footer class=\"block-quote__source\">Jeremiah Grossman, cybersecurity expert<\/footer>\n            <\/blockquote>\n<\/div>\n\n\n    <div class=\"post__content\">\n\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-1-use-unique-passwords-for-every-account\">1. Use unique passwords for every account<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>You probably know that having a strong password is important. But as you work to protect your bank account from hackers, one password, no matter how strong it is, may not cut it. <\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>If\nyou use the same password for multiple accounts, all of them are in potential jeopardy,\nsays Weisman. If a hacker uncovers the one password, that can make it easier\nfor them to access your other accounts. This can potentially include bank\naccounts with your sensitive financial or payment information. <\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Jeremiah Grossman, cybersecurity expert and security strategist at a cybersecurity company, agrees. \u201cWhat\u2019s most important about passwords isn\u2019t strength or guessability, but that the passwords are not the same across accounts,\u201d he says.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-create-a-base-password-and-then-add-to-it\">Create a base password and then add to it <\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>Don\u2019t\nget too stressed about the prospect of managing multiple passwords\u2014there are plenty of tricks\nand tools out there to help you. <\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Weisman\nrecommends this technique for creating account-specific passwords: First, choose\na base sentence that includes a mix of letters (uppercase and lowercase),\nnumbers and symbols (stay clear of using any personal information). <\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Next,\nadd to this password for each account. Weisman gives an example with the base\npassword, \u201cIDontLikePasswords1!\u201d If you follow this method, your next password\ncould be something like \u201cIDontLikePasswords2!!\u201d <\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-consider-a-password-manager\">Consider a password manager<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>To\nkeep track of your many passwords, including the one for your bank account, you\nmight want to download a password manager. A password management tool allows\nyou to store passwords without needing to memorize them, and many will even\ngenerate strong passwords for you.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>For an even simpler option, you can physically write your passwords down. \u201cWhile less convenient, it\u2019s easier to protect a piece of paper than files on your computer,\u201d Grossman says. If you go the pen and paper route to protect your bank account from fraud, ensure your password document is in a safe, locked place that can\u2019t be accessed by others. <\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-full\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"2118\" height=\"867\" src=\"https:\/\/www.discover.com\/online-banking\/banking-topics\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/03\/Protect-Your-Bank-Account-From-Fraud-in-6-Steps-2-INARTICLE-Edit-e1614879966134.jpg\" alt=\"A man carries his bike into his apartment.\" class=\"wp-image-10975\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.discover.com\/online-banking\/banking-topics\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/03\/Protect-Your-Bank-Account-From-Fraud-in-6-Steps-2-INARTICLE-Edit-e1614879966134.jpg 2118w, https:\/\/www.discover.com\/online-banking\/banking-topics\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/03\/Protect-Your-Bank-Account-From-Fraud-in-6-Steps-2-INARTICLE-Edit-e1614879966134-300x123.jpg 300w, https:\/\/www.discover.com\/online-banking\/banking-topics\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/03\/Protect-Your-Bank-Account-From-Fraud-in-6-Steps-2-INARTICLE-Edit-e1614879966134-780x319.jpg 780w, https:\/\/www.discover.com\/online-banking\/banking-topics\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/03\/Protect-Your-Bank-Account-From-Fraud-in-6-Steps-2-INARTICLE-Edit-e1614879966134-768x314.jpg 768w, https:\/\/www.discover.com\/online-banking\/banking-topics\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/03\/Protect-Your-Bank-Account-From-Fraud-in-6-Steps-2-INARTICLE-Edit-e1614879966134-1536x629.jpg 1536w, https:\/\/www.discover.com\/online-banking\/banking-topics\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/03\/Protect-Your-Bank-Account-From-Fraud-in-6-Steps-2-INARTICLE-Edit-e1614879966134-2048x838.jpg 2048w, https:\/\/www.discover.com\/online-banking\/banking-topics\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/03\/Protect-Your-Bank-Account-From-Fraud-in-6-Steps-2-INARTICLE-Edit-e1614879966134-730x299.jpg 730w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 2118px) 100vw, 2118px\" \/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p><\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-update-your-passwords-on-a-regular-basis\">Update your passwords on a regular basis<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>Wondering\nhow often you should update your bank account password, as well as your\npasswords for other financial and personal accounts? \u201cChanging passwords once\nevery year or two should work,\u201d Grossman says. <\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Both Weisman and Grossman advise that while occasionally changing your passwords is a good idea, using a mix of passwords is more important as you work<strong> <\/strong>to protect your bank account from hackers. <\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-get-strategic-with-security-questions\">Get strategic with security questions<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>You may be asked to answer a security question if you forget a password or log in to an account from an unfamiliar device. Similar to passwords, you\u2019ll want to strategically approach security questions to protect your bank account from hackers and to help prevent identity theft. <\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-2-leverage-two-factor-authentication\">2. Leverage two-factor authentication<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>As you work<strong> <\/strong>to protect your bank account from fraud, two layers of defense are better than one. That\u2019s where two-factor authentication comes in. With this method, you\u2019ll need your password and another proof of identity like a one-time code sent to your phone in order to log in to an account. If hackers get a hold of your bank account login credentials, it would be difficult for them to log in without your second verification.&nbsp; &nbsp;&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>In some cases, two-factor authentication will only be activated for certain actions to protect your bank account from hackers, such as when you\u2019re logging in to your account from an unfamiliar device or when you\u2019re making updates to your personal information.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-full\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"2120\" height=\"869\" src=\"https:\/\/www.discover.com\/online-banking\/banking-topics\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/03\/Protect-Your-Bank-Account-From-Fraud-in-6-Steps-3-INARTICLE-e1614697401534.jpg\" alt=\"A woman sitting on her couch, holding a smart phone and using a laptop computer.\" class=\"wp-image-10945\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.discover.com\/online-banking\/banking-topics\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/03\/Protect-Your-Bank-Account-From-Fraud-in-6-Steps-3-INARTICLE-e1614697401534.jpg 2120w, https:\/\/www.discover.com\/online-banking\/banking-topics\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/03\/Protect-Your-Bank-Account-From-Fraud-in-6-Steps-3-INARTICLE-e1614697401534-300x123.jpg 300w, https:\/\/www.discover.com\/online-banking\/banking-topics\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/03\/Protect-Your-Bank-Account-From-Fraud-in-6-Steps-3-INARTICLE-e1614697401534-780x320.jpg 780w, https:\/\/www.discover.com\/online-banking\/banking-topics\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/03\/Protect-Your-Bank-Account-From-Fraud-in-6-Steps-3-INARTICLE-e1614697401534-768x315.jpg 768w, https:\/\/www.discover.com\/online-banking\/banking-topics\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/03\/Protect-Your-Bank-Account-From-Fraud-in-6-Steps-3-INARTICLE-e1614697401534-1536x630.jpg 1536w, https:\/\/www.discover.com\/online-banking\/banking-topics\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/03\/Protect-Your-Bank-Account-From-Fraud-in-6-Steps-3-INARTICLE-e1614697401534-2048x839.jpg 2048w, https:\/\/www.discover.com\/online-banking\/banking-topics\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/03\/Protect-Your-Bank-Account-From-Fraud-in-6-Steps-3-INARTICLE-e1614697401534-730x299.jpg 730w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 2120px) 100vw, 2120px\" \/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Grossman also recommends downloading an authenticator app to help <a href=\"https:\/\/www.discover.com\/online-banking\/banking-topics\/protecting-yourself-online\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\" aria-label=\" (opens in a new tab)\">protect your personal information online<\/a>. This type of app generates a code directly on your phone instead of delivering it to your phone, which reduces the likelihood of interception. While each authenticator app works differently, you will typically be able to set it up to work with different accounts of your choosing. &nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-3-be-cautious-of-public-wi-fi\">3. Be cautious of public Wi-Fi<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>From\nyour favorite coffee shop to your local library, public Wi-Fi is available all\nover. But are public Wi-Fi networks safe to use? Weisman says it depends on\nwhat you\u2019re doing online.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>If you\u2019re browsing the news or reading blog posts, it\u2019s probably fine, he says. If you\u2019re doing anything that requires login information, such as signing in to your online bank account, it\u2019s best to avoid such activity, he adds. Why? When you use public Wi-Fi, the open connection could allow cybercriminals to potentially grab your username and password as they pass between you and your bank website, Weisman explains.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Yet, there may be a solution. \u201cIf you have to use public Wi-Fi, a virtual private network (VPN) will encrypt everything,\u201d Weisman says. A VPN is software or an app that connects your device to a different server on the internet. That way, it looks as if your connection is coming from another location, making your online history harder to trace and helping to prevent identity theft. <\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-4-update-and-patch-your-software-regularly\">4. Update and patch your software regularly<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>If\nyou ignore those pesky software update notifications that pop up on your devices,\nyou may want to reconsider. You could be putting yourself at risk if your\ndevice isn\u2019t updated. That\u2019s because hackers search for security holes in\nsystems, Grossman says.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>In\naddition to keeping your software up to date, remember to patch it on a regular\nbasis. A patch is software that provides codes to cover any security holes. Software\nupdates often include patches, so it\u2019s possible you\u2019ll be automatically\nnotified when they are available. If not, you can always check your device for patches\nto download.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-full\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"2120\" height=\"869\" src=\"https:\/\/www.discover.com\/online-banking\/banking-topics\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/03\/Protect-Your-Bank-Account-From-Fraud-in-6-Steps-4-INARTICLE-e1614697457188.jpg\" alt=\"A woman holding her young child as they play in a grassy field.\" class=\"wp-image-10946\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.discover.com\/online-banking\/banking-topics\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/03\/Protect-Your-Bank-Account-From-Fraud-in-6-Steps-4-INARTICLE-e1614697457188.jpg 2120w, https:\/\/www.discover.com\/online-banking\/banking-topics\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/03\/Protect-Your-Bank-Account-From-Fraud-in-6-Steps-4-INARTICLE-e1614697457188-300x123.jpg 300w, https:\/\/www.discover.com\/online-banking\/banking-topics\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/03\/Protect-Your-Bank-Account-From-Fraud-in-6-Steps-4-INARTICLE-e1614697457188-780x320.jpg 780w, https:\/\/www.discover.com\/online-banking\/banking-topics\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/03\/Protect-Your-Bank-Account-From-Fraud-in-6-Steps-4-INARTICLE-e1614697457188-768x315.jpg 768w, https:\/\/www.discover.com\/online-banking\/banking-topics\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/03\/Protect-Your-Bank-Account-From-Fraud-in-6-Steps-4-INARTICLE-e1614697457188-1536x630.jpg 1536w, https:\/\/www.discover.com\/online-banking\/banking-topics\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/03\/Protect-Your-Bank-Account-From-Fraud-in-6-Steps-4-INARTICLE-e1614697457188-2048x839.jpg 2048w, https:\/\/www.discover.com\/online-banking\/banking-topics\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/03\/Protect-Your-Bank-Account-From-Fraud-in-6-Steps-4-INARTICLE-e1614697457188-730x299.jpg 730w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 2120px) 100vw, 2120px\" \/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Together, both updates and patches are effective methods to protect your bank account from fraud by ensuring your devices are as protected as possible, Grossman says.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Keeping\nyour software updated and patched can also help safeguard you from phishing, a common\nemail scam where fraudsters attempt to obtain data (like passwords and credit\ncard information) by posing as a trustworthy company. When your software is up\nto date, you will be protected from exposure to malicious software you\ninadvertently download due to phishing. <\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-5-install-ad-blockers\">5. Install ad blockers <\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>If the ads on your screen seem too good to be true, they might be\u2014even when you\u2019re on a legitimate website. &#8220;Malvertising,&#8221; where cybercriminals create ads infected with malicious codes, is another scam that can leave your bank account exposed.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>How\ndoes malvertising work? Maybe you see an ad offering a free program. Once you\nclick on the infected ad, malware may be downloaded to your device that can\npotentially steal information about your identity, Weisman says. In some cases,\nloading the webpage with the corrupted ad is enough to trigger an attack. <\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>But there\u2019s an easy way to avoid malvertising and<strong> <\/strong>protect your bank account from hackers: installing ad blockers. Many ad-blocking tools are free and easy to download. By blocking ads, your chance of interacting with an infected ad is removed, Weisman says. <\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-6-utilize-features-and-tools-provided-by-your-bank\">6. Utilize features and tools provided by your bank<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>As you work to protect your bank account from fraud, take time to research the security measures your bank has put into place. When you maximize the security features your bank provides, it\u2019s easier to keep your sensitive information safe. For instance, some banks offer secure <a aria-label=\" (opens in a new tab)\" href=\"https:\/\/www.discover.com\/online-banking\/banking-topics\/whats-the-difference-between-online-and-mobile-banking\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">online and mobile banking<\/a> that encrypts all personal and account information.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Some banks allow customers to use a fingerprint or facial ID login to safely and securely access their account on their smartphone. This is a form of biometrics, which uses physical characteristics to identify you. Biometrics can help you prevent access to your bank account on lost or stolen devices.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Another way to prevent identity theft? Set up alerts for your bank account. Many banks will send alerts to users if their account is overdrawn or when they have a profile update. &nbsp;&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Protecting your bank account from fraud, scams and identity theft starts with a plan. By using different passwords, enabling two-factor authentication, downloading a VPN, updating and patching your software, and installing ad blockers, you can help protect your personal information.<\/p>\n\n\n<p class=\"disclaimer\">Articles may contain information from third parties. The inclusion of such information does not imply an affiliation with the bank or bank sponsorship, endorsement, or verification regarding the third party or information.<\/p>\n\n\n<p class=\"disclaimer\">The information provided herein is for informational purposes only and is not intended to be construed as professional advice. Nothing contained in this article shall give rise to, or be construed to give rise to, any obligation or liability whatsoever on the part of Discover, a division of Capital One, N.A., or its affiliates.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Follow these simple tips from digital security experts to prevent identity theft by safeguarding your bank account.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":15,"featured_media":22945,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_acf_changed":false,"footnotes":""},"categories":[76,9],"tags":[35,127,95,129,26,25,100,93],"class_list":["post-10938","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-banking101","category-online-banking","tag-financial-education","tag-how-to","tag-managing-your-account","tag-mobile-app","tag-mobile-banking","tag-online-banking","tag-quick-tips","tag-security"],"acf":[],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.discover.com\/online-banking\/banking-topics\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/10938","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.discover.com\/online-banking\/banking-topics\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.discover.com\/online-banking\/banking-topics\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.discover.com\/online-banking\/banking-topics\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/15"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.discover.com\/online-banking\/banking-topics\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=10938"}],"version-history":[{"count":50,"href":"https:\/\/www.discover.com\/online-banking\/banking-topics\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/10938\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":22944,"href":"https:\/\/www.discover.com\/online-banking\/banking-topics\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/10938\/revisions\/22944"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.discover.com\/online-banking\/banking-topics\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/22945"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.discover.com\/online-banking\/banking-topics\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=10938"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.discover.com\/online-banking\/banking-topics\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=10938"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.discover.com\/online-banking\/banking-topics\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=10938"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}